Philosophy

Philosophy

Nature. Art. Silence. Authenticity. INSCAPE literally means the unique inner nature of a person or object as shown in a work of art (English Oxford dictionaries © Oxford University Press): a neologism created by combining in- and -scape, as in landscape or seascape. It was first coined by English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) who used it to describe the perception of the whole through intense contemplation of each of its parts until you understand its true essence.

But INSCAPE has another nuance. In the realm of the arts it can mean the soul of the work’s creator, its interior landscape. It can also suggest that the inside space of a house or building can be seen as its inner landscape, an extension of the environment that surrounds it.

Each of these meanings is a key concept in the philosophy underpinning how INSCAPE creates its villas, genuine artisan-built creations constructed from the local stone which forms part of the landscape of Salento (Puglia, IT) and the land surrounding Matera (Basilicata, IT). Each villa is tailor-made for its owner and set in hectares of lush countryside following a concept unique in its genre, a contemporary interpretation of the traditional southern Italian masseria.

 

In this building, the architecture and landscape are as one, a single, continuous and indivisible space. The interior and exterior feed off each other, live for each other, encountering each other in surprising sequential spaces that create a unique home and a unique experience. Whether considering it as a place to live or as an investment, it’s impossible to separate the villa from its surroundings. A masseria is something to be valued as a whole, a private microcosm where you can live between the geometry of the stones and the existence of nature.

 

In Puglia, INSCAPE masserias are set in vast grounds (from 2 to 50 hectares belonging exclusively to the property) of ancient olive trees, guaranteed to provide the owner with the very best quality extra-virgin olive oil.

 

In Basilicata, each masseria stands proudly on top of its own hill, offering an uplifting 360-degree view over the unspoilt, undulating countryside that is found around Matera. To live in an INSCAPE masseria in a place like this is a deliberate lifestyle choice. A life lived outdoors, bathed in sunshine, absorbing all the positive energy emanating from this timeless setting. An INSCAPE masseria presents you with an abundance of gifts every day: the natural beauty surrounding the villa, the genuine people you meet, the delicious, healthy food, the heady fragrance of the wine and the mild climate, all fundamental ingredients of a style of life that will make you say this is just gorgeous! every single morning.


The Traditional Masseria

Masserias were originally fortified country residences typical of the agricultural areas of southern Italy and Sicily. They were traditionally built on one floor around a central courtyard.
The outside walls enclosed and delineated the whole estate, which may have included one or more buildings, and were also used as defence.
The property was accessed by a single large entrance gate, wide enough for a carriage to pass through. The grander masserias had a tower from which to spot approaching enemies or which was used for rearing doves. (Kind of dovecote towers.)
Masserias were predominant in the 16th and 17th centuries and you can still see ruined examples throughout southern Italy.

INSCAPE is an invitation to experience the silvery shimmer of the olive leaves, the sigh
of the silent stones, the redolence of the Mediterranean, by living in the intimacy
of a space that has been planned down to the last detail and crafted to the highest
professional standards.

All the staff in the company work together with just one aim – to completely satisfy the client by creating a matchless product whose uniqueness stems from all those involved. The property is a living testimony to the richness of the land, the method of craftsmanship and the weight of centuries of human history and tradition. Each one is different, each one has its own character, its own personality because it contains within it a little piece of the imagination of everyone who has participated in its creation. Each property has its own soul, passed down from generation to generation, something to be appreciated and respected.

 

The concept of the INSCAPE masseria finds its true essence in the authenticity of the craftsmanship: every masseria is built with love and dedication by artisans from the area who use centuries-old techniques to work the local stone. Each one is a hand-made testament to the skill of the person who made it: every block of stone is extracted, cut and worked in situ, using techniques and wisdom handed down from father to son, becoming part of a symphony in stone, a source of pride for all who have played a part.

INSCAPE is an invitation to experience
the silvery shimmer of the olive leaves,
the sigh of the silent stones,
the redolence of the Mediterranean,
by living in the intimacy of a space
that has been planned down
to the last detail and crafted
to the highest professional standards.

All the staff in the company work together with just one aim – to completely satisfy the client by creating a matchless product whose uniqueness stems from all those involved. The property is a living testimony to the richness of the land, the method of craftsmanship and the weight of centuries of human history and tradition. Each one is different, each one has its own character, its own personality because it contains within it a little piece of the imagination of everyone who has participated in its creation. Each property has its own soul, passed down from generation to generation, something to be appreciated and respected.

 

The concept of the INSCAPE masseria finds its true essence in the authenticity of the craftsmanship: every masseria is built with love and dedication by artisans from the area who use centuries-old techniques to work the local stone. Each one is a hand-made testament to the skill of the person who made it: every block of stone is extracted, cut and worked in situ, using techniques and wisdom handed down from father to son, becoming part of a symphony in stone, a source of pride for all who have played a part.

Masters of villas, the company slogan, is a homage to the master craftsmen
who work the stone, protecting and passing on their ancient building wisdom,
knowledge that is hidden in a star, barrel or cross vaulted ceiling.
This is what consistently distinguishes INSCAPE’s creations, this perfect integration
with the local culture.

Although the masseria is a new build, and thus has all the comforts you would associate with contemporary living, it has a certain atmosphere, something which
stirs the emotions, evoking a compelling sense of history and tradition.

Masters of villas, the company slogan,
is a homage to the master craftsmen
who work the stone, protecting and
passing on their ancient building
wisdom, knowledge that is hidden
in a star, barrel or cross vaulted ceiling.
This is what consistently
distinguishes INSCAPE’s creations,
this perfect integration with the local
culture.

Although the masseria is a new build, and thus has all the comforts you would associate with contemporary living, it has a certain atmosphere, something which
stirs the emotions, evoking a compelling sense of history and tradition.

In this way, craftsmen from different generations are able to come together,
epitomising the excellence that is Made in Italy.

In this way, craftsmen from different generations are able to come together, epitomising the excellence that is Made in Italy.

The company logo is inspired by the geometry of the stone ceiling vaults.
The centre is gold, to reflect the colour of the local stone, and square to represent the villa. Its rotation alludes to the keystones which make up the star or squarevaults. The leaves that surround it represent the greenery in which the building is typically set: their position stemming from the plan of a cross vault. It is a simple design that can stand alone or be part of a pattern, reminiscent of traditional Mediterranean mosaic floors which also reinforces the concept of teamwork, so important to the company.

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